By Michael Madyira
Yusuf Maart’s sensational goal fired Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates and sealed a fourth successive Soweto Derby win for his side.
The Amakhosi central midfielder caught Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane off guard and scored with 16 minutes to go from his own half to hand Chiefs derby bragging rights again.
It was Maart’s first-ever goal in the Glamour Boys’ colours and it ended a three-match winless run by Arthur Zwane’s men who are now third on the table from fifth.
Following the defeat, Pirates dropped a rung down to fifth spot to give coach Jose Riveiro a forgettable maiden derby experience.
Hosts Pirates were missing suspended Miguel Timm while Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane surprisingly benched Kgaogelo Sekgota.
Nkosingophile Ngcobo was handed his second league start of the season by Zwane.
The Buccaneers threatened to go ahead as early as three minutes into the contest when Kermit Erasmus released Monnapule Saleng but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen blocked his effort with his legs.
Chiefs’ first attempt at goal came nine minutes later as Maart’s deflected shot was impressively saved by Mpontshane.
With the clock on 28 minutes, Buccaneers coach Riveiro was forced to pull out captain Innocent Maela who frustratingly walked off the pitch with a hamstring strain.
Always a serious threat to Chiefs defenders with his clever runs, Erasmus then unleashed a powerful grounder which narrowly missed the target on the half-hour mark
What followed was an eventful four minutes marked by Mpontshane’s heroics in denying Ashely du Preez and Khama Billiat from one-on-one situations.
After the break, it took 15 minutes for the first chance of that period when Erasmus’ curler sailed wide.
As Chiefs struggled to create scoring opportunities, Maart read Mpontshane was way off his goal line before his extraordinary strike from his own half.
The midfielder was back to condemn his former team Pirates where he came through their development structures and struggled for first-team football before going to Cape United and Sekhukhune United.
Suddenly, the contest became alive and Saleng skied his effort from inside the box while Motshwari also came close.
Ngcobo then tried for the away side but was slow in his execution and his attempt was thwarted.
Chiefs held on as their traditional rivals unsuccessfully searched for an equaliser.
Image source: @KaizerChiefs
